Help with age/value of S&W Revolver

[Rippington]

My brother's father in law passed away a couple of years ago and left him this revolver. My brother and I are pretty clueless regarding revolvers. I think it is a model 19. The serial number on the bottom end of the grip has a "S", then a blank area, followed by 96XXX. Thank you for any insight into age/value. Edit: forgot to add that it is a .357 mag.

[IH8CALAWS]

Open the cylinder and look on the frame above the hinge, the model# should be there.

[Rippington]

Thanks for the quick reply,

In the area under the rod it has the S 96XXX. On the frame above the cylinder swing arm it has a big "S" with 98XX under the S , and a 7 under the 98XX. Does that mean anything to you?

[dfletcher]

Can you photo the other side so we can see how many screws there are? Also, is there a screw on the front edge of the frame in front of the trigger guard?

It looks like a Model 27, the S in the serial number denotes an earlier run and that checkering on the top strap is pretty distinctive to the 27. I believe the grips are not original to to gun, they should have a large diamond in the center? This is just a strong "I believe" not 100%.

Measured from where it meets the front of the cylinder, how long is the barrel?

[Moonclip]

That is definately a 27 or a pre 27 look at the topstrap checkering.

[stretch64]

The cylinder looks too large to be a model 19, also a 19 would have a "K" prefix on the serial number. Judging by the lack of a model number under the crane, the "N" frame cylinder, and the "S96xxx" serial number, I'd guess it's a 357 Magnum-"Pre-Model 27" from the early '50s. The barrel length looks to be 3 1/2". Can't give you an accurate value, but the 3 1/2" barrel will add to it's value, as will the original grips especially if they're numbered to the gun.

[Rippington]

Here is a pic of the other side. Measurement of the barrel will have to wait until next weekend when my brother returns from his trip. BTW, it came with a holster made by Chas. Bluemel (? last letter is hard to make out) from El Paso, Texas. My brother told me his father in-laws dad carried it as a Utah State Trooper until he retired. Thanks guys I appreciate the info I've learned so far and will pass it on to my brother.

[Miltiades]

Estimates

The gun is definitely not a model 19 and appears to be a model 27 or the predecessor to the model 27. I own both a 19 and a 27 and recognize a number of signs pointing to the 27. For example:

1. Checkering on the top strap, characteristic of model 27 but not model 19.
2. Large space between frame and front of cylinder, indicating the N frame model 27.
3. Apparent 3.5 inch barrel length, which was common in model 27 but not in model 19.

The good news is that the 3.5 inch model 27 (or pre 27) is a fairly rare gun prized by collectors. One in excellent condition can be worth upwards of $1,000.

The bad news is that the gun shown is in poor condition. I would think it might be worth $400 or so.

[stevie]

Looks to be a Pre-27 if not stamped Mod. 27. S/N 96XXX also seems to be a Pre-27 dated around 1953 - 1954. BBL length should be 3.5 inches.

[ProtecSylt]

It is an "S" series model 27. It was produced in between the pre 27 and the regular production guns.
The last one that I know of sold in California for $ 900.00 about three month ago - but that gun was in better condition.

Very nice gun nonetheless.

[kurac]

It is for sure a 3.5" pre model 27 .357 magnum. The 3.5" is the most desirable model the last couple of years but you gun has a few issues. 1.)The grips are not original to the gun 2) there is a lot of finish wear.

Your gun was made before 1956 and is more desirable due to the 5 screw frame. Given the condition, a fair value would be $700-$900

[rivviepop]

Let me just say that brother's father in law's dad (gramps in law once removed?) had some good taste for carrying this fine weapon as his carry. Personally I'd think this stays in the family to get passed down to heirs, a piece of family history.

[Rippington]

Hey guys, thank you very much for the great information! My brother has no intention of selling this revolver. We did take it to the range, it shot to point of aim with a very smooth trigger pull. I appreciate your responses.

[SnWnMe]

Very nice.

Don't hesitate to take it out more often. Used responsibly, that N frame will outlast you.

[Miltiades]

Refinish?

That gun looks like a good candidate for refinishing. Smith & Wesson would do that for you:

S&W website gunsmithing services

It would cost $180 for a standard refinish and blue, or $225 for the high polish version of this.